Visiting New Orleans.. where to stay and what to do. (hotels, house)

[Itz]

Next year my mom and I will be taking our mother daughter trip to New Orleans. What hotels/areas do you recommend for staying a week and what are some really neat things to do.

I love history, but can't stand to spend to much time in museums. Historic areas are my must see. My mom enjoys Jazz so would like to include some activities around that as well. We aren't night people and tend to go to bed early and get up early.

We aren't the "resort" type either and tend to stay away from "chain" hotels for vacationing.

We are both from Wyoming (i live in CO now) and would like to go during a not so humid time of year as well. What time of year is best?

Any thoughts and ideas would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

[Neworleansisprettygood]

Humidity is high year round, but as long as you avoid coming during the summer months the weather shouldn't bother you. The French Quarter isn't just a tourist trap, it's also the historic center of the city (the architecture is actually Spanish, the original French city having burnt to the ground while the city was under Spanish rule). If you look at a map, the oldest sections of the city stretch (from the French Quarter) downriver until somewhere around the Industrial Canal, upriver to the area around Audubon Park, and away from the Quarter for a mile or two except Esplanade Ridge (the area around Esplanade Ave), which was one of the few areas of high ground not directly adjacent to the river. You can also take the ferry to Algiers Point, which was originally an independent city until some time in the late 1800s.

A problem with the jazz is it's mostly night shows, though some musicians have started playing earlier. As you get closer to arrival, you can check out this site: www.wwoz.org for the live music calendar.

Look for a B&B in the Garden District or the Marigny, both historic areas with distinctly different vibes. And don't forget to ride the streetcar.

[rburnett]

July and August are the hottest months. You'll have low to mid 90s and high humidity. October/November and April/May are the best times of the year IMO.

Definitely check out the music calendar at WWOZ New Orleans 90.7 FM : New Orleans' Jazz & Heritage Station : Dedicated to Bringing New Orleans Music to the Universe. Fritzel's and Snug Harbor are good places for Jazz. Weeknight music is usually earlier.

See: //www.city-data.com/forum/new-o...w-orleans.html

[sconley9922]

Spot on prettygood......good links rburnett

[Itz]

Thank you for the replies. This helps us out quite a bit. We actually did talk about coming this Oct.

[DaveHurry]

We are planning a trip through Florida (prob along the Gulf Coast) up to NO in late November this year, taking in a few destinations along the way

Can anyone give me an idea of what the weather will be like at this time of year and any places worth visiting on this two week trip? We'll probably spend around 5 days in NO.

[attrapereves]

I rented a house in Mid City from airbnb.com. It was much cheaper than a hotel or B&B, and I got the real feel. It was nice being able to park my car at the house and take the streetcar to the quarter.

I went in March and it was still a little cool outside (mid 50s). No humidity though.

[Jordy920]

We will be first time visitors this October. We are planning on spending a day or two in the French Quarter, taking a swamp tour, touring Oak Alley, and a steamboat cruise, we will also do the horse and carriage ride, and tour the Garden District, we are currently booked at the Country Inn and Suites on Magazine Street, which includes a hot buffet breakfast every morning.

[Hollytree]

When I go to New Orleans, a must is always coffee and beignets at Cafe Du Monde ( I know- I'm a tourist),
breakfast at Mother's Restaurant where butter is a food group, Muffaletta sandwich, pralines, and just walking around the Square. I swear I saw Blanche DuBois on the streetcar in the Garden District last time. I just Loooove New Orleans.

[attrapereves]

Originally Posted by Hollytree

When I go to New Orleans, a must is always coffee and beignets at Cafe Du Monde ( I know- I'm a tourist),
breakfast at Mother's Restaurant where butter is a food group, Muffaletta sandwich, pralines, and just walking around the Square. I swear I saw Blanche DuBois on the streetcar in the Garden District last time. I just Loooove New Orleans.

Cafe du Monde is great, but I'd recommend going at night. It's less busy. There is another beignet place near the cafe. The beignets are just as good, but the crowd is almost non existent.